1995 Cadillac Fleetwood engine light

DMANN816

MEMBER
1995 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
123,000 MILES

My engine light came on after sitting outside in the rain for two days.
This light has never came on and I maintanance the car on a fairly regular basis.
I was driving down the highway when it started to come on in 8 to 10 second incriments, then go off for about the same amount of time.
When the engine light would be on, the lights would flicker and and at the same time the fans would kick on for the entire time the light was on.
Does anyone know of a sensor that might have become wet or 'thrown off' by eccessive moisture outside that could of caused this? Or maybe this was a freak occourance?
Its hasn't happend again, but I am still wondering about it. Thanks DMANN.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,738 POSTS

Hi dmann816. When the Check Engine light turns on, the Engine Computer has detected a problem with a sensor or with the operating characteristics of the engine. It has memorized a diagnostic fault code that will lead the mechanic to the circuit or system with the problem, not necessarily the defective part.

When lights start flickering, suspect a charging system problem. Since GM redesigned their generators starting with the 1987 model year, it is real common to go through four to six of them in the life of the car. You will have to catch it while it's acting up for any tests to be valid. If testing does indeed show up the need to replace the generator, it is becoming more widely known that replacing the battery at the same time will prevent repeat generator failures. The battery might still work fine in older cars, but it appears as they get older, they loose their ability to dampen the voltage spikes this generator develops. Due to its design, voltage spikes are a natural occurrence. They will confuse the many computers on the car.

Caradiodoc